Exodus 30:37
And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תַֽעֲשׂ֖וּ
which thou shalt make
H6213
תַֽעֲשׂ֖וּ
which thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּמַ֨תְכֻּנְתָּ֔הּ
to yourselves according to the composition
H4971
בְּמַ֨תְכֻּנְתָּ֔הּ
to yourselves according to the composition
Strong's:
H4971
Word #:
4 of 11
proportion (in size, number or ingredients)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַֽעֲשׂ֖וּ
which thou shalt make
H6213
תַֽעֲשׂ֖וּ
which thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
קֹ֛דֶשׁ
thereof it shall be unto thee holy
H6944
קֹ֛דֶשׁ
thereof it shall be unto thee holy
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
8 of 11
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
Historical Context
The incense burned twice daily on the golden altar, filling the Holy Place with fragrant smoke. Offering strange/unauthorized incense resulted in death (Leviticus 10:1-2), emphasizing that worship must follow God's prescription.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's intercession serve as 'perfect incense' making your prayers acceptable?
- What does the forbidden counterfeiting teach about worshiping according to God's pattern?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The holy incense formula—stacte, onycha, galbanum, frankincense—represents acceptable prayer. Like the anointing oil, this formula was sacred, forbidden for common use. The specific ingredients create a fragrance pleasing to God, teaching that prayer must be according to God's will to be acceptable. Christ's intercession is the perfect incense; our prayers, offered through Him, become fragrant to God (2 Corinthians 2:15).